What is Arithmetic

Many people think of arithmetic and mathematics as the same thing. Arithmetic, however, is defined as the most basic and fundamental category
of mathematics. It includes computations that involve adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying numbers that are real, rational and
complex. This differs from mathematics, which involves studying number, shape, and quantity relationships. Mathematics also includes the use of
not only signs and symbols, but also proofs.

When a person studies arithmetic, he learns how to work with numbers and do basic calculations. For example, he learns how to recognize and
name quantities as well as how to add numbers together and subtract them. He also learns how to multiply numbers and divide them. This basic
study typically provides a foundation students can use for calculation in everyday life as well as in preparation for more complicated work
with numbers, such as in algebra and calculus.

Though arithmetic is considered a basic form of math, it is widely used. Typically, people use it in the course of everyday life. For example,
they use it when counting, making purchases, preparing budgets, and balancing their checkbooks. It is also used by businesses that have to make
accounting calculations. It often has a place in some higher-level scientific calculations as well.

Addition is one of the basic types of arithmetic. It essentially involves combining numbers, which are referred to as addends, to get a total,
which is called the sum. Subtraction is another basic operation of this type of math. It is the opposite of addition and involves finding the
difference between numbers. The original number in a subtraction problem is called the minuend while the number that is subtracted is called
the subtrahend.

Multiplication is another arithmetic operation; it involves adding numbers in a quick way. For example, a multiplication problem that involves
multiplying two times four is basically adding two plus two plus two plus two quickly. The numbers that are multiplied in this type of problem
are called factors, and the answer is called the product. Division is the opposite of multiplication and involves splitting a number or quantity
into equal parts. The original number is called the dividend, the number a person divides by is called the divisor, and the answer to a division
problem is called the quotient.

Sometimes the word arithmetic is used to mean number theory. This, however, differs from the form of elementary math most people mean when they
talk about arithmetic. Number theory involves the study of the properties of numbers.

About this page

On the left, under the Suggested Topics is a list of topics typically found in most Kindergarten, Junior or High School
level Basic Math curriculums. The difference is in the level of depth, scope and complexity of that topic. The list is provided to help
you determine where you may need tutoring. Your particular topic may not be listed, but that does not imply that tutoring is unavailable.
Just contact me and inquire if I can offer tutoring for your particular needs. I
will promptly respond and you can decide what further action is required.

I have numerous texts on this subject and I am confident that whatever difficulties you are having in Arithmetic, I can be of assistance.
I wish you the best of luck in your academic success and look forward to any inquiry you may send on how I may be able to help you.